Miko Marine Launches US Subsidiary

Miko Marine AS has opened a subsidiary in Morgan City, La. from where it will be able to supply ship operators and salvage companies throughout the United States with its range of products, including its magnetic patches to prevent ships from sinking.

The magnetic patches, often used in conjunction with Kevlar reinforced flexible patches, create a durable water tight seal where ships’ hulls have been damaged by collision or grounding. Miko also produces high-power permanent magnets that can be used in conjunction with the patches.

Miko Marine USA LLC is now operating under the supervision of general manager Jack Vilas III who is widely known in the Louisiana maritime community. Jack Vilas Associates had been Miko’s U.S. agent before he joined the company full-time and he will now be the first point of contact for anyone needing Miko products whether in an emergency or simply to acquire new stock.

Vilas’ responsibilities will extend to the promotion of two of Miko’s latest products that are about to become available on the U.S. market. The ShipArrestor is a type of large sea anchor that can be deployed by a helicopter onto a ship drifting without power or crew. While halving the rate at which the tanker or other vessel is drifting ashore, ShipArrestor establishes a tow-line and creates time for it to be reached by a rescue tug before the disastrous consequences of a grounding can arise. The newest product from the Miko design center can also soon be expected in the U.S., the company said. The Moskito is a device that can cut a hole in the fuel or cargo tank of a sunken ship and attach a hose so that it can be emptied without the escape of any oil or other pollutants.